The Triple Hoax Read Online Free Page B

her stay!

4
    Airport Theft
     
     
     
    When George returned to her seat, Nancy, Bess, and Aunt Eloise immediately asked her what had happened.
    “The sleight of hand man wouldn’t let me watch the performance,” George replied.
    “Why not?” Bess demanded.
    George shrugged. “Maybe I’m not his type!”
    Nancy frowned. “It’s my guess the Hoaxters know we’re amateur detectives and don’t want any of us close enough to see their tricks.”
    “It’s possible,” George replied. “But I wonder how they found out who we are.”
    Next morning after breakfast Nancy called Mrs. Richards to ask if she had heard any more about the travel agent who had swindled her. Trudie, the housekeeper, answered and said that Mrs. Richards had already left for Washington.
    “Do you know if she had any news from the police?” Nancy asked.
    “No, she hasn’t,” Trudie replied. “However, a man phoned yesterday afternoon and asked for you.”
    “For me?” Nancy was surprised. “What was his name?”
    “He didn’t tell me. He said he had a gift to deliver to Nancy Drew and asked if you were living here. Also what kind of work you do.”
    “What did you tell him?” Nancy asked.
    “The truth,” Trudie replied. “I didn’t see any reason not to. I said you and your friends were staying with your Aunt Eloise and that you were amateur detectives.”
    Nancy caught her breath. She was disappointed that Trudie had given out this information.
    “I told the man if he wanted to leave the present here I would see that you received it,” the housekeeper added.
    Despite the fact that Nancy considered the matter most unfortunate, she remained calm. “Thank you very much,” she said. “When the package arrives, let me know.”
    Nancy hung up and repeated the conversation to her friends. “I’m sure there’s no gift involved,” she declared. “Somehow the caller found out that we know Mrs. Richards, and he used the present as an excuse to inquire who we are.”
    “Do you think he’s the same man who fleeced Mrs. Richards?” Bess asked.
    “It’s possible,” Nancy replied.
    “So he’s either a member of the Hoaxters or connected with them,” George put in. “That’s why they wouldn’t let me stay on stage last night!”
    “I don’t believe he’s a member of the troupe,” Bess argued. “He’s more likely a con man. We’d better watch our step.”
    George said, “What about Howie Barker?”
    “None of the Hoaxters, according to the program, is called Barker,” Nancy explained. “But it could be an assumed name. And the performers are so made up during the show, we wouldn’t necessarily recognize him.”
    She was thoughtful for a few moments, then added, “Why don’t we go to the matinee today and do some real sleuthing?”
    “Good idea,” George agreed.
    Bess asked, “How can we? They’ll remember us and most likely won’t let you on stage either.”
    Nancy smiled. “I wouldn’t walk up from the audience. I’d rather try to slip in backstage. Perhaps I’ll find a clue there.”
    As soon the group had had lunch, they taxied to the theater. As the cab pulled up, all of them were amazed to find the building deserted.
    Nancy said to the taxi driver, “Do you know whether the performance has been cancelled?”
    “I heard,” he replied, “that the show closed. The Hoaxters moved out bag and baggage.”
    “That’s amazing,” George remarked. “We were here last night and no announcement was made.”
    Nancy asked the man if he had any idea where the troupe had gone. He shook his head. “Do you want me to take you home again?”
    Nancy decided to stay. She paid the driver and the girls got out.
    “What’s on your mind?” Bess asked Nancy.
    “I’d like to find out where the magicians went. I suggest we question restaurant and store owners in the neighborhood.”
    The group divided. Bess and George began to inquire at shops, while Nancy checked the various eating places. When she walked into